Golf ball picker

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a device for collecting golf balls from practice areas while the device is making tight turns. The device includes a vehicle such as a golf cart, tractor, or lawn mower. A collecting gang is attached to the vehicle in such a manner that the collecting gang can pivot 180 degrees around an axis. The vehicle is configured for tight turns and the collecting gang is configured to self-orient such that golf balls are collected when the gang travels in any direction. Thus the present invention provides a device for collecting golf balls that can pick up golf balls while making a zero radius turn, moving forward, and moving in reverse.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to an apparatus for picking up items from ground level and more specifically to an apparatus for picking up golf balls on areas such as driving ranges wherein the apparatus is configured to operate both in forward and reverse directions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Large numbers of golf balls are routinely collected from practice areas at golf courses and driving ranges. The practice areas can be very large and it is known to use motorized devices to collect golf balls from these areas. Conventional golf ball pick-up systems are powered by a vehicle such as a golf cart, tractor, or lawn tractor. The vehicle is configured to tow or push a pick-up mechanism configured to transfer a golf ball from the ground to a collection device such as a basket. Such systems are driven over the area to be cleared of balls until substantially all of the area has been covered. Conventional pick-up systems are configured to collect balls as the device is driven forward only and not when driven in reverse. Conventional golf ball pick-up systems also require a generally wide turning radius. In this regard, the turning radius of conventional pick-up systems is such that even the tightest turn defines a central area that is not covered by the pick-up mechanism.

Tight turns are generally desirable because it is often most efficient for the golf ball picker to be operated back and forth in adjacent rows across a practice area such as a driving range that is to be cleared. At the end of each row, the golf ball picker is turned to go back across. It is desirable for each row to overlap slightly in order to ensure that a maximum number of balls are picked up. The amount of overlap must be minimized so that as much of the full width of the pick-up mechanism is utilized in order to clear as much area as possible per pass. Because of the limitations of turning radiuses of conventional machines, missed areas or voids are left along the edges of the driving range. These voids are located where the vehicle was turned to start on a new row. As a result, the vehicle must be driven such that it overlaps previously picked up area if the amount of voids are to be reduced. Therefore it is believed that at least some areas must be covered twice, or overlapped, in order to ensure that voids created during turning as a result of the driving limitations of conventional pick-up devices are covered. Covering areas more than once increases the amount of time required to pick-up golf balls from a given area. Such an increase pick-up time results in a reduction in efficiency and causes an increase in the operating costs of a driving range.

One problem with conventional golf ball pick-up systems is that they do not operate to pick-up balls in reverse.

Another problem with conventional golf ball pick-up systems is that they require relatively large turning radiuses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device for collecting golf balls. More particularly, there is provided a self-powered golf ball picker that is configured to make tight turns and to pick up balls while moving forward, while turning, and while moving in reverse.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a device for collecting golf balls from practice areas while the device is making tight turns, wherein the device comprises. The device includes a vehicle and a collecting gang is attached to the vehicle. The vehicle is configured for tight turns and the collecting gang is configured to self-orient such that golf balls are collected when the gang travels in any direction.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the device includes a rear collecting gang positioned at the rear of the vehicle such that the rear collecting gang is configured to trail the vehicle when the vehicle moves in a first direction and a forward collecting gang positioned forward of the vehicle such that the forward collecting gang precedes the vehicle when the vehicle moves in a first direction and the vehicle defines a path and the rear collecting gang defines one portion of the path and the forward collecting gang defines another portion of the path and the rear collecting gang and the forward collecting gang are configured to collect objects from the ground whenever they move in contact with the ground.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the device includes a second rear collecting gang positioned at the rear of the vehicle such that the second rear collecting gang is configured to trail the vehicle when the vehicle moves in a first direction.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle is configured to move in a second direction that is substantially the opposite of the first direction and the forward collecting gang and the rear collecting gangs are configured to collect objects from the ground when the device is moving in the second direction.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle includes a chassis and the forward collecting gang includes a forward basket and a forward pivoting wheel and the forward basket is configured to be positioned generally between the forward pivoting wheel and the chassis when the vehicle is configured to move in the first direction and the forward basket is positioned such that the forward pivoting wheel is between it and chassis when the vehicle is moving in the second direction.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for collecting objects from the ground. The method includes the steps of: A) providing a vehicle that includes a chassis and a first collecting gang attached to the chassis and a second collecting gang attached to the chassis; B) moving the vehicle in a first direction such that the first collecting gang precedes the chassis and the second collecting gang trails the chassis; C) collecting objects with the forward collecting gang and with the rear collecting gang while the vehicle is moving in the first direction; D) moving the vehicle in a second direction such that the first collecting gang trails the chassis and the second collecting gang precedes the chassis; and E) collecting objects with the forward collecting gang and the rear collecting gang while the vehicle is moving in the second direction.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for collecting objects from the ground. The method includes the steps of: A) moving the vehicle in a first direction such that a path P is defined by the area over which the forward and the rear collecting gangs pass along a first row; B) turning the vehicle such that path P continues to be defined adjacent to the first row; C) moving the vehicle in a second direction along path P adjacent to the first row; and D) collecting objects from the ground while the vehicle is moving and while the vehicle is turning.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the method includes the step of: collecting objects from the ground such that path P is defined in two adjacent rows and each row touches the other at all points such that no void areas are defined within path P.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the objects are golf balls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a golf ball picker according to one embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball picker is configured to move in a first direction;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a golf ball picker according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in which the golf ball picker is configured to move in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction referenced above in the description of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a path P formed by a golf ball picker according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a path P′ formed by a golf ball picker according to a golf ball picker of the prior art;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the golf ball picker configured as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the golf ball picker configured as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a golf ball picker making a turn;

FIG. 8 is a profile view of a partially cutaway view of a portion of an embodiment of the present invention showing possible relative motion of a front gang relative to the chassis of the golf ball picker in dashed lines;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus configured to collect golf balls or other articles from the ground wherein the apparatus has improved maneuverability and efficiency relative to such apparatuses of the prior art.

FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6 show a golf ball picker 10 configured to pick up golf balls while maneuvering in tight turns, in forward, and in reverse in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Golf ball picker 10 includes a vehicle 20 and devices for collecting articles such as golf balls from the ground, namely a first rear gang 50, a second rear gang 60, and a forward gang 70. Vehicle 20 is a self-powered motorized vehicle. By way of example and not limitation, vehicle 20 can be one of the following: a lawn mower, a lawn tractor, a golf cart, a tractor, and other motorized device. In the illustrated embodiment, vehicle 20 includes a chassis 22, steering devices 24, driven rear wheels 26, front wheels 28, motor 32, and seat 34. In the illustrated embodiment, steering devices 24 are configured to control the relative speed of a left rear wheel 26 and a right rear wheel 26. In this manner, the direction of travel vehicle 20 can be controlled. Such a steering system provides for tight turns such as 180 degree turns in which a first rear wheel 26 remains generally in place as it pivots and the other rear wheel 26 defines a circle around the first rear wheel 26. Front wheels 28 are configured to pivot or cast about in response to the direction determined by the rear wheels 26.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, vehicle 20 is connected to the first rear gang 50 and the second rear gang 60 by a rear connecting frame 42. A forward connecting frame 44 extends from vehicle 20 to forward gang 70. Rear connecting frame 42 and forward connecting frame 44 are substantially rigidly attached to the gangs. In this regard, the relative positions of rear gang 50, rear gang 60, and forward gang 70 to each other and to vehicle 20 is maintained such that the relative positions are substantially fixed. Connecting frames 42 and 44 are connected to vehicle 20 via joints 43 and 45 respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 8, joints 43 and 45 are configured to allow some vertical movement of move slightly to allow for contact of rear gang 50, rear gang 60, and forward gang 70 with ground as golf ball picker 10 travels over ground that is changing in elevation. Areas in which such changes occur include hills, swales, dips, and depressions.

First rear gang 50, second rear gang 60, and forward gang 70 are substantially identical and can be understood by a description of first rear gang 50. Like parts are designated by like reference numbers. Reference numbers in the 50 series refer to components of first rear gang 50. Reference numbers in the 60 series refer to components of second rear gang 60. Reference numbers in the 70 series refer to components of forward gang 70. First rear gang 50 includes a frame 52 that is configured to support a plurality of picking disks 54 and rear basket 56. In the illustrated embodiment, picking disks 54 are flexible disks configured to capture a ball between two adjacent disks and to release the ball when the ball contacts a combing device 57. Basket 56 is configured to contain balls as they are delivered from picking disks 54 via combing device 57. Frame 52 also is attached to pivoting wheel 58.

Pivoting wheel 58 is configured to support frame 52 relative to the ground. Pivoting wheel 58 is configured such that it pivots relative to the ground and relative to rear connecting frame 42. In this regard, pivoting wheel 58 is configured such that it pivots to lead basket 52 and picking disk 54 as the direction of travel of vehicle 20 changes. First rear gang 50 and second rear gang 60 are spaced apart approximately the width of front gang 70.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5, picker 10 is shown such that it is configured to travel in a first, forward direction as indicated by arrow F. Forward gang 70 is positioned such that basket 76 is generally between chassis 22 and pivoting wheel 78. Rear gang 50 is positioned such that pivoting wheel 58 is generally between basket 56 and chassis 22. Rear gang 60 is positioned such that pivoting wheel 68 is generally between basket 66 and chassis 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 6, picker 10 is shown such that it is configured to travel in a second, reverse direction as indicated by arrow R. In this configuration, forward gang 70 is positioned such that pivoting wheel 78 is generally between chassis 22 and basket 76. Rear gang 50 is positioned such that basket 56 is generally between pivoting wheel 58 and chassis 22. Rear gang 60 is positioned such that basket 66 is generally between pivoting wheel 68 and chassis 22.

Referring now to FIG. 7, picker 10 is shown such that it is configured to make a substantially zero radius turn. In this configuration, gangs 50, 60, and 70 are all positioned such that the respective pivoting wheel 58, 68, and 78 leads the respective basket 56, 66, and 76 around generally circular paths defined by picker 10 as it turns. Turns of greater radius then zero would result in a similar configuration with gangs 50, 60, and 70 oriented closer to either a reverse or forward position. Such an orientation depends upon the direction that picker 10 is traveling when the turn is being made.

The present invention can be better understood by a description of the operation thereof. When an area is to be cleared of golf balls, golf ball picker 10 is driven across the area to be picked. Referring to FIG. 3, golf ball picker 10 defines a path P as it picks up golf balls. Though not shown, it should be appreciated that path P is defined by gangs 50, 60, and 70. In this regard, forward gang 70 clears a central portion of path P and first rear gang 50 and second rear gang 60 outer portions of path P.

When picker 10 is traveling in a first, forward direction first rear gang 50 and second rear gang 60 trail vehicle 20 and are positioned in the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. When picker 10 is traveling in a second, reverse direction, first rear gang 50 and second rear gang 60 precede vehicle 20 and are in the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 6.

As picker 10 approaches the end of a row moving in a forward direction, it can be turned as shown in FIG. 3. When the turn is being made, front gang 70 pivots about pivoting wheel 78 and reorients relative to vehicle 20 such that gang 70 is properly oriented for picking up golf balls in the particular direction picker 10 travels. First rear gang 50 and second rear gang 60 also reorient relative to vehicle 20 in a similar manner. First rear gang 50 and second rear gang 60 are spaced-apart such that they can pivot about the respective pivoting wheel 58 and 68.

It should be noted that in prior art golf ball pickers, multiple gangs are not positioned to turn tightly. In this regard adjacent gangs interfere with each other if attempted to be turned 180 degrees as first gang 50, second gang 60, and forward gang 70 can. Due to the restrictions in turning, golf ball pickers of the prior art are limited in how tightly they can turn. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in a golf ball picker 12 of the prior art, a path P′ is defined as balls are collected and a void 14 is defined as the prior art picker makes the tightest turn possible.

In alternative embodiment, golf ball picker 10 can be configured to be remotely controlled. In this regard, golf ball picker 10 can be operated from a remote location. Because of the maneuverability of golf ball picker 10 it can be guided over the area where golf balls are to be picked up in a pattern such that most golf balls can be picked up with visual sighting of a particular ball by the operator of golf ball picker 10.

The invention is generally related to a golf ball picker than can reliably pick up golf balls when travel in any direction and while turning. This feature makes it possible to reliably pickup golf balls across a range efficiently and without visual identification of individual golf balls. While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made and the Invention can be practiced in other environments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, set forth in the accompanying claims. 

Having described the invention, the following is claimed:
 1. A device for collecting golf balls from practice areas while the device is making tight turns, wherein the device comprises: a vehicle; a collecting gang attached to the vehicle; and wherein the vehicle is configured for tight turns and the collecting gang is configured to self-orient such that golf balls are collected when the gang travels in any direction.
 2. The device for collecting golf balls according to claim 1, further comprising: a rear collecting gang positioned at the rear of the vehicle such that the rear collecting gang is configured to trail the vehicle when the vehicle moves in a first direction; a forward collecting gang positioned forward of the vehicle such that the forward collecting gang precedes the vehicle when the vehicle moves in a first direction; and wherein the vehicle defines a path and the rear collecting gang defines one portion of the path and the forward collecting gang defines another portion of the path and the rear collecting gang and the forward collecting gang are configured to collect objects from the ground whenever they move in contact with the ground.
 3. The device for collecting golf balls according to claim 2, further comprising: a second rear collecting gang positioned at the rear of the vehicle such that the second rear collecting gang is configured to trail the vehicle when the vehicle moves in a first direction.
 4. The device for collecting golf balls according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle is configured to move in a second direction that is substantially the opposite of the first direction and the forward collecting gang and the rear collecting gangs are configured to collect objects from the ground when the device is moving in the second direction.
 5. The device for collecting golf balls according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle includes a chassis and the forward collecting gang includes a forward basket and a forward pivoting wheel and the forward basket is configured to be positioned generally between the forward pivoting wheel and the chassis when the vehicle is configured to move in the first direction and the forward basket is positioned such that the forward pivoting wheel is between it and chassis when the vehicle is moving in the second direction.
 6. A method for collecting objects from the ground, the method comprising the steps of: providing a vehicle that includes a chassis and a first collecting gang attached to the chassis and a second collecting gang attached to the chassis; moving the vehicle in a first direction such that the first collecting gang precedes the chassis and the second collecting gang trails the chassis; collecting objects with the forward collecting gang and with the rear collecting gang while the vehicle is moving in the first direction; moving the vehicle in a second direction such that the first collecting gang trails the chassis and the second collecting gang precedes the chassis; and collecting objects with the forward collecting gang and the rear collecting gang while the vehicle is moving in the second direction.
 7. A method for collecting objects from the ground, the method comprising the steps of: providing a vehicle that includes a chassis and a forward collecting gang attached to the chassis and a rear collecting gang attached to the chassis; moving the vehicle in a first direction such that a path P is defined by the area over which the forward and the rear collecting gangs pass along a first row; turning the vehicle such that path P continues to be defined adjacent to the first row; moving the vehicle in a second direction along path P adjacent to the first row; and collecting objects from the ground while the vehicle is moving and while the vehicle is turning.
 8. A method according to claim 7, the method further comprising the steps of: collecting objects from the ground such that path P is defined in two adjacent rows and each row touches the other at all points such that no void areas are defined within path P.
 9. A method according to claim 7, wherein the objects are golf balls. 